A joyous love song to community and friendship, Ensemble Theatre presents Aidan Fennessy’s The Heartbreak Choir until 12 January 2025.
Audience favourites Valerie Bader (Suddenly Last Summer), Nancy Denis (Clyde’s), and Jay Laga’aia (TV’s Play School) unite with director Anna Ledwich (Photograph 51) to celebrate connection, hope, and the healing power of music.
Trouble is afoot in the old CFA hall on the outskirts of town. When a fracture forms in the local choir, a small band of community misfits are pushed out into the cold. The only thing left to do? Rebrand!
They’ve formed a new group, got a cracking new name and the town’s winery is all set for their debut performance. Now, if only they can find the perfect song to really bring the house down…
“What is this play? An ode to friendship? A slice of rural Aussie life? A celebration of the human voice and spirit, a love story, a hug, a chuckle, a cry? It is all of these things and more. It is delightfully profound, and profoundly joyful. Prepare to be embraced,” said director, Anna Ledwich.
“The Heartbreak Choir is a little bit like a filo pie or an onion. You think it’s this beautiful, big heartfelt play, which it is, but as you peel back another little layer, there’s something else,” said Valerie Bader. “All of our characters have things to share and discover about themselves. It’s about finding your voice, learning how to heal, and how to forgive.”
Additional cast members include Tyallah Bullock (Malthouse Theatre’s Macbeth An Undoing), and Carita Farrer Spencer (NICA’s Famous), alongside Jasper Lee Lindsay (Belvoir’s Blessed Union), and Georgina Symes (Killing Katie: Confessions Of A Book Club).
Don’t miss this joyous conclusion to Ensemble’s 2024 Season!
Director: Anna Ledwich | Featuring: Valerie Bader, Tyallah Bullock, Nancy Denis, Carita Farrer Spencer, Jay Laga’aia, Jasper Lee-Lindsay, Georgina Symes | Musical Director: Sally Whitwell | Set & Costume Designer: Nick Fry | Lighting Designer: Verity Hampson | Composer & Sound Designer: Steve Francis | Dialect Coach: Linda Nicholls-Gidley | Assistant Director: Julia Robertson | Stage Manager: Christopher Starnawski | Assistant Stage Manager: Mia Kanzaki | Costume Supervisor: Evelyn Everaerts-Donaldson
The Heartbreak Choir
Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall Street, Kirribilli
Season continues to 12 January 2025
Information and Bookings: www.ensemble.com.au
Image: Jay Laga’aia and Valerie Bader star in The Heartbreak Choir (supplied)